Drug Price Trends for FORTEO

Average Pharmacy Cost for FORTEO

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
FORTEO 560 MCG/2.24 ML PEN INJ	00002-8400-01	1849.57766	ML	2025-04-02
FORTEO 600 MCG/2.4 ML PEN INJ	00002-8400-01	1726.31852	ML	2025-03-19
FORTEO 600 MCG/2.4 ML PEN INJ	00002-8400-01	1726.68582	ML	2025-02-19
FORTEO 600 MCG/2.4 ML PEN INJ	00002-8400-01	1726.37074	ML	2025-01-22
FORTEO 600 MCG/2.4 ML PEN INJ	00002-8400-01	1726.46970	ML	2024-12-18

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Forteo (Teriparatide)

Introduction to Forteo

Forteo, also known as teriparatide, is a prescription drug used to treat osteoporosis in certain adults. It is an anabolic agent, meaning it helps to build bone mass, rather than just preventing bone loss. Here’s a detailed analysis of the market and price projections for Forteo.

Market Position and Competition

Forteo, developed by Eli Lilly, has been a significant player in the osteoporosis treatment market. However, the landscape is changing with the introduction of generic versions and other competing drugs.

• Generic Competition: Recently, Teva announced the approval of a generic version of Forteo in the U.S., which is expected to be available in the coming weeks. This development is likely to impact the market share and pricing of the brand-name Forteo, as generics typically offer a more affordable alternative[1].
• Competing Drugs: Other drugs like Amgen’s Evenity and Radius Health’s Tymlos are also in the market. Evenity, priced at $21,900 per year, is competitive with Tymlos but offers a discount compared to Forteo, especially considering the full-course treatment duration[2].

Pricing Dynamics

The pricing of Forteo is influenced by several factors, including the presence of generics, insurance coverage, and the overall market competition.

• Brand-Name Pricing: Forteo had annual sales of $609 million as of July 2023, indicating its significant market presence. However, the brand-name pricing is high, making it less accessible to some patients[1].
• Generic Pricing: The introduction of generic teriparatide is expected to reduce the cost significantly. Generics do not require the extensive research and testing that brand-name drugs do, which can lead to lower production costs and subsequently lower prices for consumers[5].
• Competitor Pricing: Evenity and Tymlos are priced similarly, with Evenity offering a full-course price that is 34% to 74% lower than its peers when considering the treatment duration[2].

Market Forecast

The osteoporosis drug market is expected to undergo significant changes due to the arrival of new anabolic agents and the loss of patent protection for key branded therapies.

• Global Market Analysis: The global osteoporosis drug market is forecasted to be shaped by the introduction of new anabolic agents and the generic versions of existing drugs. This will lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for patients[3].
• Impact of Generics: With Teva’s generic version of Forteo entering the market, the sales of the brand-name Forteo are likely to decline. This shift will make the treatment more affordable for a larger population, potentially increasing the overall market size in terms of patient numbers[1].

Price Projections

Given the current market dynamics, here are some price projections for Forteo:

• Short-Term Impact: The immediate introduction of a generic version will likely reduce the price of teriparatide significantly. Patients can expect to pay substantially less for the generic version compared to the brand-name Forteo[5].
• Long-Term Impact: Over the long term, the presence of multiple generic versions and competing branded drugs will continue to drive prices down. This competition will ensure that the cost of osteoporosis treatment remains manageable for patients[2].

Patient Cost Considerations

For patients, the cost of Forteo can vary widely based on several factors.

• Insurance Coverage: Patients with health insurance may have a lower out-of-pocket cost compared to those without insurance. The specific coverage and copay amounts will vary depending on the insurance plan[5].
• Pharmacy Costs: The cost can also vary depending on the pharmacy used. Patients should compare prices at different pharmacies to find the best deal[5].
• Additional Costs: Patients need to consider the cost of pen needles required for injecting Forteo, as these are not included with the drug[5].

Safety and Regulatory Updates

Forteo has undergone significant regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding its potential risk of osteosarcoma.

• Post-Market Surveillance: The FDA had initially required a black box warning on Forteo due to concerns about osteosarcoma. However, after 18 years of epidemiologic research, the FDA removed the black box warning and released the drug’s sponsor from post-market commitments. The studies found that the risk of osteosarcoma in humans was minimal and comparable to the general population[4].

Expert Insights and Market Projections

Industry analysts have provided insights into the potential market performance of Forteo and its competitors.

• Analyst Projections: Analysts like Michael Yee from Jefferies and Porges from SVB Leerink have projected peak sales for Evenity, a competitor to Forteo, to be over $500 million and up to $700 million, respectively. These projections indicate a competitive market where multiple drugs will vie for market share[2].

Key Takeaways

• Generic Competition: The approval of a generic version of Forteo will significantly impact the market, making the treatment more affordable.
• Pricing Dynamics: The introduction of generics and competition from other branded drugs will drive prices down.
• Market Forecast: The global osteoporosis drug market will be shaped by new anabolic agents and the loss of patent protection for branded therapies.
• Patient Costs: Patients should consider insurance coverage, pharmacy costs, and additional expenses like pen needles.
• Regulatory Updates: Forteo has been cleared of significant osteosarcoma risks, enhancing its safety profile.

FAQs

What is Forteo used for?

Forteo, or teriparatide, is used to treat osteoporosis in certain adults, particularly those at high risk of fractures.

How much does Forteo cost?

The cost of Forteo can vary based on factors like insurance coverage, treatment plan, and the pharmacy used. With the introduction of generics, the cost is expected to decrease significantly.

What are the potential risks associated with Forteo?

Initially, there were concerns about the risk of osteosarcoma, but extensive research has shown that the risk is minimal and comparable to the general population.

How does the generic version of Forteo affect the market?

The generic version will increase competition, reduce prices, and make the treatment more accessible to a wider population.

What are some competing drugs to Forteo?

Competing drugs include Amgen’s Evenity and Radius Health’s Tymlos, which offer similar or sometimes more cost-effective treatment options.

Sources

1. Teva Announces Approval of a Generic Version of Forteo (Teriparatide) Injection in the U.S. - Teva Pharmaceuticals.
2. Amgen prices bone drug Evenity at $21.9K a year, but a tough marketing road lies ahead - FiercePharma.
3. Osteoporosis: Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2027 - ResearchAndMarkets.
4. FORTEO® Post-Market Osteosarcoma Surveillance Program - RTI Health Solutions.
5. Forteo and Price: Brand vs. Generic, and More - Healthline.